Executive/Luxury Sedan and Wagon, positioned as a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Audi A6 (C5), Lexus GS300/400, Jaguar S-Type.
Key Features
E39 Strengths:
Superior driving dynamics, robust inline-6 engines, sophisticated chassis, build quality, driver-focused interior, available M Sport package, advanced technology for its era.
Manual Value Proposition
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, authoritative information to maintain, diagnose, and repair the BMW E39 series effectively, potentially saving significant costs compared to dealership service.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Title:
BMW 5 Series (E39) Service Repair Manual
Primary Coverage Areas:
General Maintenance, Engine, Transmission, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body, Body Equipment, Equipment and Accessories
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, sway bars), power steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC, rotors, pads, calipers, lines)
Body And Interior:
Body shell, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, exterior trim, interior panels, seats, dashboard, climate control system, HVAC, airbags, seatbelts
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacements, air filter replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhauls, transmission removal/installation, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, exhaust system repair, body panel repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for various systems
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine clearances, component tolerances, diagnostic values
Technical Depth
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostic procedures. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, searchable PDF format allowing for easy navigation and keyword searches.
Printability:
Printable pages for hands-on use in the workshop.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine 525I
Engine Code:
M54B25 (later models)
Displacement Liters:
2.5
Cylinders:
Inline-6
Horsepower Hp:
189 (M54B25)
Torque Lb Ft:
245 (M54B25)
Primary Engine 528I
Engine Code:
M52B28 / M52TUB28
Displacement Liters:
2.8
Cylinders:
Inline-6
Horsepower Hp:
193
Torque Lb Ft:
207
Primary Engine 530I
Engine Code:
M54B30
Displacement Liters:
3.0
Cylinders:
Inline-6
Horsepower Hp:
225
Torque Lb Ft:
214
Primary Engine 540I
Engine Code:
M62TUB44
Displacement Liters:
4.4
Cylinders:
V8
Horsepower Hp:
290
Torque Lb Ft:
324
Fuel System
Fuel Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Performance
Vanos:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on M54 and M62TU engines.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
525I 528I 530I Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 280/5)
540I Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Optional
525I 528I 530I Optional Transmission:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 5HP19)
540I Optional Transmission:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 5HP24)
Features
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual gear selection via the gear lever or steering wheel buttons.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent like Dexron III, though LT-3 is preferred)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent like Castrol Syntrans).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Inches:
113.4
Length Inches:
191.0
Width Inches:
71.5
Height Inches:
57.1 (Sedan)
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs Approx:
3500-3900 (Varies by model and options)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) for 1997-1998 models.
IIHS Safest Pick:
Good (Frontal Offset) for models tested.
Active Features
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard on most models, optional on early '97 models (DSC/ASC+T).
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), optional side airbags, optional front and rear head protection system (HPS).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Navigation System:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation system with CD-ROM maps and monochrome or color displays (later models).
Audio System:
Standard BMW Business CD or optional BMW Professional CD/radio. High-end Harman Kardon audio system available.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Connectivity
Bluetooth Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system available on later models, often requiring an adapter or cradle.
Convenience Features
Automatic Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic climate control standard on most models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically around 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific indicators.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as per CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles for standard plugs; 100,000 miles for long-life iridium plugs (M54).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or two years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type 525I 528I 530I:
BMW LL-01 Approved Synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Engine Oil Type 540I:
BMW LL-01 Approved Synthetic 5W-40 or 0W-40.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks are prone to cracking; water pump and thermostat failures are common.
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and sway bar links due to age and mileage.
Vanos System:
Degradation of VANOS seals (especially on M54 engines) can cause rough idle, hesitation, and loss of low-end torque.
Window Regulators:
Plastic guides in window regulator mechanisms often break.
Oil Pan Gaskets And Valve Cover Gaskets:
Common sources of oil leaks on both inline-6 and V8 engines.
Pixelfehler Dashboard Display:
Dead pixels on the instrument cluster LCD display.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
The Ultimate Driving Machine, emphasizing performance, handling, and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution
E39 Introduction:
Introduced in 1995 (Europe) and 1996 (North America) as the successor to the E34 5 Series. Known for significant advancements in chassis design and technology.
E39 Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift in 2000 introduced updated exterior styling (e.g., 'angel eyes' headlights), new engines (M54), and updated interior electronics.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing Plant) and South Africa.
Production End:
2003 (globally), marking the transition to the E60 generation.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list multiple times during its production run, recognizing its exceptional driving dynamics and overall quality.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.